Sunderland boss David Moyes offers injury update on Jack Rodwell

Ross Gregory

David Moyes has revealed that midfielder Jack Rodwell is back in training at the Academy of Light.

But Sunderland's clash with Chelsea tomorrow night will come around too soon for the former Everton man.

"Jack is doing some running," revealed the manager ahead of the visit of Antonio Conte's men to Wearside.

"But he probably won't be ready for another couple of weeks."

Elsewhere on the injury front the news was bleak.

Moyes suggested he may have to call on the services of the Black Cats' kids to make up the numbers with Didier Ndong suspended and Lee Cattermole, Paddy McNair, Lynden Gooch, Duncan Watmore and Rodwell out.

"A couple of players will miss the game so numbers are tight," said Moyes.

"But we've had that in recent weeks and picked up results.

"We were on a good run and we wanted to keep it going.

"It wasn't to be (at Swansea). We're now back at home and we'll try to pick points up."

Moyes admits that he has been impressed by the Blues so far this season, and in particular Conte.

While the Scot says he does not know of any team winning the Premier League playing three at the back week-in, week-out, he reckons Chelsea could set the trend.

"I don't think anyone has won the Premier League playing three at the back for a full season," said Moyes.

"At the moment it looks as if they could."

"People will try and find a way of beating Chelsea's system, but it's not just the system - they have real quality players.

"If we can get an atmosphere like last season against Chelsea it will give us every chance, and it would be terrific."

Another person who impresses the manager is youngster Bradley Lowery.

The five-year-old Black Cats fan, who is battling cancer, was a surprise visitor to the Academy of Light these week to mix with his Sunderland heroes.

Of the visit, Moyes said: "Bradley came to the training ground yesterday and we had a great time with him. He enjoyed having the boxing gloves on!

"He's a strong boy let me tell you, and we'll try to make it a special day for him."